Arsenal have been linked with a move for Bruno Guimaraes in recent weeks.
The Brazilian is said to be a player the Gunners admire, and there could be a move in the works this summer.
Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, David Ornstein has been discussing the links between Guimaraes and Arsenal, and he’s made an interesting claim.
According to Ornstein, Arsenal actually see Guimaraes as more of a defensive midfield player rather than a number eight.
Arsenal see Bruno Guimaraes as a holding player
Ornstein shared what he knows about the Newcastle star and Arsenal’s view of the midfielder.
“Clearly a decision needs to be taken on that decision, some backup in wide areas, there’s a big decision on Declan Rice’s position, is he going to be a number eight or a number six?” Ornstein said.
“If he is going to be a number eight then they would recruit a number six, someone like Zubimendi for example, Bruno Guimaraes is also viewed by Arsenal and others in football as a six rather than an eight.”
Guimaraes can play both roles
Bruno Guimaraes can play as either a defensive midfield player or in a more advanced role, and that’s what makes this signing so intriguing.
Arsenal’s other key midfield option, Declan Rice, is very much cut from that same cloth, and these two could work so well together for that very reason.
In more difficult games, Guimaraes and Rice could easily work as a double pivot as a pair of number sixes, while in games where Arsenal expect to dominate, there’s no reason why both players can’t get forward and influence the game in the final third.
Both players are very complete footballers, and if Arsenal can find a way to unite this duo, they will be even stronger heading into next season.